Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could give me a breakdown of the parts and labor costs to build a motor so it doesn't blow up with a FI kit. I was under the impression this is a pretty pricey proposition and one would be looking at $10k.

Is it just rods and pistons? Or more parts? How long does it take and what kind of labor bill can be expected?

Thanks.

edit to add: From the FAQ: "The most basic built motor includes upgrading the rods, pistons and fasteners (main and head studs). More advanced setups may include headwork (port/polish, cams, valves, springs, etc) or block strengthening (liners, sleeves, etc)." So I guess I'm looking to find out a typical parts and labor cost breakdown for the above.

 

The Basic build requires rods, pistons and bolts (about $2500), some people also replace the crank with a new assembly to make 100% sure the engine is bulletproof (about $575 shipped).

Labor will run you about $2.5 - 3k (normal machining included).

If you want cams & springs, look to spend an additional $1500 on parts and a couple hundred on labor.

now, that's just the engine -- if you want a good clutch, that will probably run a couple thou, turbo kits will run you a decent bit, etc. etc.... believe me, it all adds up

EDITED TO ADD: if you go with a new crank, you will need new bearings, which may take quite a bit of time to acquire...

 

So you're looking at $20k for a built motor with forced induction?

 

around that yeah

there's a lot more that goes into it to make all that power useful

doesn't do much good to have 500whp and no LSD or good tires or small tire sizes to put it down

depending on what kit you get, you might need a better fuel system

then there's gauges, misc cooling stuff etc

Everyone always acts like it's cakewalk to just buy a turbo, slap it on, but there's a lot of hidden costs with misc parts that start adding up quick

even the rear axels might not hold up well past 400whp

 

Wow. It doesn't seem worth it. At that point you might as well just buy a Viper or a used Ferrari 355.

 

i think i prefer the Z, honestly, but to each they're own (now if only mine were a Brickyard!)

I'm breaking the build into two main halves (due to economic constriction, lol) -- i'm doing the engine (upper and lower parts) and clutch in one portion, and i'm going to do the TT w/ all gauges, electronics, and safety mods (shielded CAS wire) in the second half. Still trying to decide if I should do the fuel system now or later.

 

that is a strong point and a lot of people think that as well cause it's not like you'll have much of a warrenty on a high HP FI modded Z and it even might not be as reliable and require higher maintenance.

For others, the Z is what they wanted, and they want it to go faster. A $50k used 2000 viper GTS has 450hp and 490tq

you can get 1998 viper GTS's with 27k miles for about $30k these days. They're not going to be much faster than C6 corvettes.

Ferrari 355 IMO are a huge rip off. I don't think having the name "Ferrari" on my car is worth $75-80k.

A FI Z with a built up engine can have 600hp and between 550-610tq and weigh 200-250 lbs less than the viper, be in a lower insurance bracket as the viper, have a brand new engine instead of a used one with all the latest brand new racing/heavy duty parts. It'll probably be faster than a viper. There was a recent thread with someone with 550whp beating a supercharged viper GTS in a drag race. The Z will probably out handle the stock used viper if the Z has a really good aftermarket suspension and tire setup. The viper will have better traction because of the ENORMOUS tires on it, but will feel like you're driving a boat. The viper will be an easier car to drive, but get aweful gas mileage compared to the Z

I'd say $20-30k would be the amount of money you'd have to spend on the Z to safely improve all aspects of the car to handle high HP and track abuse with built FI

 

Please remember a used Viper in that price range will no longer have a warranty and will probably give you more issues than the modded Z. Either way your risking it...or at least thats how I see it. I'd take the Z with the brand new engine...

 

on another note, viper engines are NOT cheap. I think I once heard they're up go $30k brand new. Not that you'd be blowing up viper engines really, but I'd guess it'd be hard to blow up a forged Z engine also.

So you could buy a used viper, put a supercharger on it to make it really fast, but will it handle well? Then you gotta upgrade suspension parts. But then will the car be able to take a track beating? So then you gotta upgrade all sorts of things to keep the car running happy at which point you've spent the same for the viper as you did the Z and both have roughly the same level of power/handling.

I still like the shape and feel of the Z better. For me, the 350Z and lotus elise/exige are the only cars that ever made me feel like I need to run down to the dealer ASAP and buy one immediately.



It would be MUCH MUCH more cost effective to buy a used Supra, RX7, Talon, or a new EVO or STI if you want to go really fast with great handling and not cost that much money.

 

not to mention, windows were an option on the earlier vipers... you might not be getting what you think